This is why Costco is so obsessed with toilet paper

There are approximately 64 million Costco members roaming the aisles of the warehouse club for one of their hottest commodities—toilet paper. It’s the must-have bathroom item that CNBC dubbed as the “crowned jewel” of Costco back in 2012. According to the CNBC report, the company sells about one billion rolls a year. That’s enough toilet paper to wrap around the world 1,200 times!

You may have never given it a second thought before, but a lot of hard work goes into that sheet of plush, white tissue you use to wipe your tush with. In fact, the company hires technicians to test the toilet paper based on the three gold standards: thickness, strength, and softness. Merchandise managers often take tours of the toilet paper mills to check the water used in the production, paper quality, and humidity levels to ensure they’re investing in quality for their customers. They even inspect how white it is!

Related: Never buy this from Costco

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Items to never get at Costco

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Items to never get at Costco

Protein powder, bars, or supplements

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Produce

ACostco worker from Idaho, an employee from Hawaii, and a worker from Minnesota, who added, "While our produce department is one of the best in the business, I personally don't eat veggies fast enough to buy in bulk."

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Tires

A Costco worker who just said they'd been working for the chain "too long"

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Packages of meat

A Costco employee from California, who added, "It's too much for my household."

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Mac and cheese

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Fruits

A Costco employee from Florida, who added, "They go bad very quickly."

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Baked goods

A Costco worker from Iowa, who added that the "packaging is just too big."

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Condoms

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Shoes

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Sushi

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Kirkland brand clothing

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The gallon-sized mayonnaise jars

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Salad

A Costco employee who's worked in 10 states, who added that, "I don't eat the huge quantity fast enough, then it rots. Waste of money."

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Any food you haven't tried before

A Costco employee from Illinois, who added, "Because then I'd have a six month supply."

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Since toilet paper sales make Costco $400 million annually, it’s no wonder the company is so meticulous about their toilet paper production. Even though the foods category counts as 22 percent of Costco sales, toilet paper falls under the softlines category, which accounts for 12 percent of sales.

In addition to helping you stock up on a lifetime supply of granola bars, toilet paper, and pasta, Costco can also help you plan your next trip. Members can log onto Costco Travel and check out a lengthy list of vacation packages. Yep, your favorite big-box store totally has the best deals on everything from a seven-day cruise ($454) to an eight-day Savanna Safari ($4,999 with airfare). Here's how to shop at Costco without a membership.

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A coffin

In 2014, the median cost of an adult funeral was $7,181, according to the National Funeral Directors Association. That means that when it's time to say goodbye to a loved one, it helps to get the best deal possible—especially on the casket. Fortunately, Costco is willing to help with this. The retailer sells a variety of caskets, ranging in price from $1,299 to $2,199.

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Cut flowers and bouquets

On a budget but willing to make your own bouquets to surprise that special someone? Look no further than your local Costco. The store sells 50 roses for $39 and 5,000 rose petals for $69. They've even got an entire department dedicated to wedding bouquets and arrangements, as well as overnight vase arrangements.

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Food delivery service

If you've been meaning to sign up for a food delivery service like Blue Apron or Nutrisystem, make sure you purchase a gift card through Costco first. You'll be able to get a discount on the gift card, which means you're practically making money. For example, a $100 gift card for the South Beach diet costs $79. These are the things you should never buy at Costco.

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Engagement rings

The most expensive engagement ring at Costco will set you back a whopping $419,999.99. And you can't just walk into the nearest store and buy it. You'll have to email diamonds@costco.com, first—for what we can only assume is an extreme vetting of your credit history.

Nervous about the zombie apocalypse? Head to Costco and pick up your Nutristore one-year emergency food kit. The package lasts up to 25 years, and includes enough food for you (and presumably everyone else in your bunker) to eat 1,200 calories a day. It'll cost you $999, but when it comes to zombies, it's best to be prepared.

The Wagyu Ribeye from Costco sells for $100 per pound and promises to "provide a complex beef flavor that you will remember long after you have cleaned your plate." We bet it's just what you need for your next dinner party.